How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

As the hot summer months draw near, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without your energy costs soaring. The secret lies in using your AC more efficiently. Follow these 12 simple ideas and techniques to keep your air conditioner in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Repeatedly altering the thermostat makes your air conditioner work harder, elevating energy consumption and causing excessive wear and tear. To maximize efficiency, set the temperature at a comfortable level—preferably around 78 degrees F (25 degrees C)—when you’re in the house. After that, refrain from changing it. If you get overheated, peel away} a layer of clothing, spray water on your skin or turn on a fan to cool off without turning down the temperature.

2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away

For optimum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees above your usual setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” it might be a good idea to consider setting up a programmable thermostat. This convenient upgrade allows you to program temperatures based on your everyday routines, automatically adjusting the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and not wasting energy when you’re not home.

3. Keep the Curtains Closed

Solar heat gain from direct sunlight makes your AC run longer than it normally would. To minimize heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day. Window coverings with light-colored backings work the best at reflecting the sun’s rays.

4. Keep the Vents Open

Blocked or closed air vents throw off your air conditioning system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and raising operating costs. To stop this, always keep at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and make certain no return vents are obstructed by curtains, furniture or rugs.

5. Create Airflow with Fans

Utilizing fans in combination with your air conditioner circulates cool air more, making your home feel more comfortable while slightly increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, in particular, create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to set the temperature higher without giving up comfort.

6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air

Cooking and showering generate heat and dampness. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to lower your home’s cooling load. Also, ensure that your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to deter hot, humid air from releasing into your residence.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

High humidity levels results in your home feeling cool but clammy, tempting you to lower the temperature. A dehumidifier takes away excess moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while consuming substantially less electricity than using the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location influences its effectiveness considerably. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shelters the unit in the afternoon for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest time of the day, consider planting a tree or using a screen to shade it. Just be sure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t hinder airflow.

9. Save Your Chores for the Evening

Cooking, laundry and washing the dishes create indoor heat gain, making your HVAC system work harder. Conducting energy-using activities like these at night when temperatures cool down reduces the cooling load during the hottest time of the day and saves energy.

10. Replace the Air Filter

A filthy filter limits airflow and increases energy consumption, so replace it on a regular basis to promote superior performance. The majority of basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct replacement schedule for your product.

11. Seal and Insulate the Ductwork

Leaky, uninsulated ducts squander significant amounts of energy, especially if they run through unconditioned areas including the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork preserves system efficiency and brings down energy spending.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Scheduled tune-ups are essential to keep your AC running successfully. Employ an accredited professional to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This preventative measure extends your HVAC system’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to identify and fix potential issues before they become high-priced problems.

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At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing we pride ourselves on offering complete AC services, including installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in the U.S.. Our customers choose us again and again for our unrivaled knowledge and dedication to customer satisfaction. In fact, we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every service we provide! Let our team help keep your home cool, comfortable and energy efficient this summer.